Cardiff University - Care Leavers Bursary

Care Leavers Bursary (Cardiff University)

You will receive approximately 1,150 EUR (1,000 GBP) per academic year as a grant, which you will never have to repay. You’ll receive it for every academic year, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. It’s provided by Cardiff University in Wales and is aimed at students who grew up in care homes. You’ll also be nominated for a graduation package covering the hire costs of your academic gown and a photo package.

Who can apply

• Level of study: You are a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate student at Cardiff University.
• Age: At the start of your course, you will be at 25.
• Care leaver: You spent at least 13 weeks in the care of a local authority before reaching the age of 14, and did not move back in with your parents between leaving care and starting your degree. If you were adopted, you are not eligible.
• Funding status: You are considered a British ‘home’ student, so you pay the tuition fees for home students rather than those for international students.
• Field of study: Any subject.

How to apply

There is no separate application form. If you are applying via UCAS, please tick the box indicating that you have been in care so that the university can contact you at an early stage. You should then contact the point of contact for former care leavers in Cardiff to arrange your support.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship has very specific eligibility criteria: you must be a former care home resident, fall under the 25 category, be studying full-time in Cardiff and be eligible for UK home student finance. Very few people apply for it. It is not awarded on a competitive basis, but is offered to everyone who meets the criteria. So, if you clearly meet these criteria and declare your background as a former care leaver at an early stage, your chances are good.